8 best outdoor things to do in Sydney

Outdoors in Sydney

Beach · Bondi

1.Bondi Beach

Swim only between the red-and-yellow flags; the southern end has a well-known rip current that catches visitors every summer.

Time needed

Half a day

Cost

Free

• Iconic
• Free
• Outdoors
• Active
• Photo spot

Experience · Manly

2.Manly ferry and Manly Beach

Sit on the outside deck on the right-hand side as you leave Circular Quay for the closest views of the Opera House.

Time needed

Half a day

Cost

Low cost

• Iconic
• Views
• Kids
• Outdoors
• Couples

Zoo · Mosman

3.Taronga Zoo

Ride the Sky Safari cable car from the ferry wharf to the top entrance, then walk downhill through the zoo back to the ferry.

Time needed

Half a day

Cost

Mid-priced

• Kids
• Views
• Nature
• Iconic

Garden · Circular Quay

4.Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair

Follow the waterside path from the Opera House to Mrs Macquarie's Chair early or late in the day, when the light is softest on both landmarks.

Time needed

1–2 hours

Cost

Free

• Free
• Outdoors
• Views
• Couples
• Nature
• Kids

Nature · Eastern Beaches

5.Bondi to Coogee coastal walk

Start at Bondi in the morning so the sun is behind you, and pack swimwear for a dip in the Bronte or Clovelly ocean pools.

Time needed

2–3 hours

Cost

Free

• Free
• Outdoors
• Active
• Views
• Photo spot

Museum · Hyde Park

6.Australian Museum

Combine it with a walk across Hyde Park to St Mary's Cathedral and the Hyde Park Barracks on Macquarie Street.

Time needed

2 hours

Cost

Free

• Kids
• Free
• Rainy day
• History
• Nature

Aquarium · Darling Harbour

7.SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Go at opening time or late in the afternoon; school groups and holiday crowds peak around midday.

Time needed

2 hours

Cost

Mid-priced

• Kids
• Rainy day
• Nature

Park · Barangaroo

8.Barangaroo Reserve

Walk from Barangaroo Reserve through Walsh Bay to The Rocks for a quieter harbour route than the crowds at Circular Quay.

Time needed

1 hour

Cost

Free

• Free
• Outdoors
• Views
• Off the beaten path

Grouped by area

Booking and timing

Of these 8, 5 free, 1 low cost, 2 mid-priced. None needs booking far in advance. The longest visit is Bondi Beach; group the rest by area to save travel time.

How to fit them into 6 half-days

Grouped by area and kept to about four hours each, so you walk more than you ride.

• Half-day 1 (Bondi): Bondi Beach, at least 3 hours.
• Half-day 2 (Manly): Manly ferry and Manly Beach, at least 3 hours.
• Half-day 3 (Mosman): Taronga Zoo, at least 3 hours.
• Half-day 4 (Circular Quay and Eastern Beaches): Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair → Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, at least 3 hours.
• Half-day 5 (Hyde Park and Darling Harbour): Australian Museum → SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, at least 4 hours.
• Half-day 6 (Barangaroo): Barangaroo Reserve, at least 1 hour.

The best months to be outside

• September: highs of 21°C (70°F), about 6 rainy days, moderate crowds. Spring brings warm, dry days, wildflowers and outdoor dining; the sea is still cold, but walks and harbour days are excellent.
• April: highs of 23°C (73°F), about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds. Mild days, settled spells and a still-warm sea make April one of the best months for coastal walks; Easter school holidays push up prices.
• October: highs of 23°C (73°F), about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds. Warm days and comfortable conditions for every outdoor activity; jacaranda trees start turning streets purple late in the month.

The neighbourhoods they are in

• Darling Harbour and Pyrmont — Waterfront promenades, the aquarium and family attractions west of the CBD
• Manly — Ferry-linked beach town with a pedestrian Corso between harbour and ocean

More of Sydney

All things to do in Sydney · Where to stay · When to go.

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